Precious Achiuwa worked out for the Wizards last week

Last week, I knew that picking Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton would have been controversial in SB Nation’s NBA team site mock draft. That’s because his best role is as a point guard, and the Washington Wizards don’t seem likely to do that with John Wall entering the second year of his supermax contract.

But the real-life Wizards did work out Memphis center Precious Achiuwa, who was also one of the players whom I considered.

According to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, Achiuwa worked out for the Wizards earlier this week. He also worked out for the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. In media availability, Achiuwa also mentioned that he liked to play at a fast tempo, something that could mesh well with the Wizards since Wall has preferred to play faster as well.

If there’s something the Wizards will need the most, it’s defense and rebounding, both skills that Achiuwa can bring to the table right away. Though I still think it’s a bit of a reach for Washington to pick him at No. 9, teams generally need to pick the best player for their system, not necessarily the best player overall in a one-on-one contest.

The Wizards are allowed to work out up to 10 prospects. Achiuwa is one of two players whom they have seen in a work out, the other being R.J. Hampton, who played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL last year.

If General Manager Tommy Sheppard thinks Achiuwa is their guy, don’t be too surprised to hear his name called by the Wizards next Wednesday, Nov. 18